Welfare First Pet Care- Solo dog walking

16/06/2024

The bestist (yes is a word 😂) solo gang EVER

14/06/2024

Welfare First Pet Care is proud to specialise in solo dog walking!

Alice (the owner) has a degree in Animal Welfare and really truly has your pets best interests at heart.

Even if you are just contemplating hiring a new dog walker , do get in touch for a friendly chat.

📞07964029605
📧[email protected]
💻www.welfarefirstpetcare.co.uk

13/06/2024

Can anyone guess where I am off to? 👀

11/06/2024

Simply had to share 🥰

05/06/2024

Just a reminder that I am away for round two of my dog training fieldwork this week.

Thank you for all the support in this exciting venture!

02/06/2024

Every doggie I walk has their own story. I am so glad I can be apart of it 💓

31/05/2024

Some reasons why you should get in touch...

Solo dog walking slots available in Rayleigh

📞07964029605
📨[email protected]
💻www.welfarefirstpetcare.co.uk

25/05/2024

Its me, on video 🫣!

Want some answers to some FAQ's? Then listen up...

24/05/2024

Wonderful week (as always), the sun even made an appearance!

Have a wonderful bank holiday 🥂

22/05/2024

Very much looking forward to delving into this one 😍

20/05/2024

Last weeks solo walk gang. Love them all 😍

19/05/2024

Being a small business owner myself, now more than ever do I have great appreciation for independent organisations and charities.

Once a month I will be sharing my favourite small businesses. They might be fellow dog walkers or even my fave food spots.

Check back in next month to see who is first.

17/05/2024

Oh my goodness 🥲...

How sweet of FreeAgent to send me this after they helped me out with my accounting software this week. Thank you so very much!

15/05/2024

I have just started a networking group for pet pros so if any of my followers would like to join the link is below ⬇️⬇️

https://www.facebook.com/groups/960162955296315/

12/05/2024

Why not dabble in video making 🤣

10/05/2024

I've finally decided to try out a biothane long line. These three tested it out for me can't say they noticed a change.

Jurys still out on my preferred material, think its going to take some getting used too.

You will know what I prefer over time as the old leads are red, this one is pink.

Silly post I know but when you are a dog walker getting used to different leads is a big deal 🤣

08/05/2024

Look at this gorgeous pair enjoying their weekend walkies.

Yes, that is right, I work weekends.

Enquire today 🥰

06/05/2024

As of 6th May 2024 all walks are now time- based.

All clients have been individually contacted and given notice of this change.

Any questions, do let me know :)

03/05/2024

This week in photos.

Absolutely adore my regulars.

Have a fabulous bank holiday all!

29/04/2024

Blimey I am almost at the year mark, where has that time gone? Must be about time I update my bio…

If you could say ‘animal’ is a personality type then I would safely fit into this category. I don’t think it is possible for me to not slip in some chat about ‘dogs’ in everyday conversations, and this was before I ran my business. Early experiences of dogs began when I was a toddler visiting my grandparents hound, a super handsome whippet x deerhound. Looking back I must have been super annoying because I always insisted on holding his lead, even though he could safely be let off, perhaps I was always destined to be a dog walker.

My greatest academic achievement to date is a First-class honours degree in Animal Welfare. A degree that encapsulated animal behaviour, animal welfare science, sociology and philosophy. I chose to focus most of my assignments and study on companion species. One of my favourite assignments to research was in the applied animal behaviour module. I designed a behavioural programme for a recently relinquished rescue dog incorporating behavioural origins, motivation and welfare science. I received my highest grade for this assignment.

In my spare time I am a canine foster carer. We currently care for a super sweet girly who will be staying with us as a temporary foster. Being a small cog in these dogs' lives is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, most weeks I volunteer during training classes for an animal charity. Both of these ongoing roles, alongside my degree, gave me the PROPER dog bug so I started my solo dog walking business in July 2023. Safe to say I am loving every minute, to be able to spend quality time with guardians dogs every day doesn't even feel like work. I am super grateful for all of the undivided support I have received.

Most recently I have started studying with PACT to become a ABTC registered Animal Training Instructor. The ABTC is a charity that holds very strong ethical beliefs that really align with mine. The journey to becoming a dog trainer may take up to 18 months (fingers crossed I pass), but that doesn't mean the learning stops upon registration, lifelong learning it is! I am likely to incorporate dog training under the ‘welfare first’ brand when I am ready but there are no concrete plans for this yet. All I can say is watch this space.

So, there we go just a little about me. I pride myself on honesty and integrity so if anyone would like to discuss more about my background or would be interested in my Rayleigh-based solo walks do get in touch.

Alice 💛

24/04/2024

Had to share... he just knows how handsome he is 😍

15/04/2024

Just a friendly reminder that I am on leave on Thursday and Friday this week as I go away for my dog training fieldwork.

All clients have been contacted separately.

04/04/2024

Such a queen 👑

02/04/2024

Wow my first month of being a PACT student has absolutely flown by. I have learned so so much already!

The process to becoming accredited as a Animal Training Instructor with the ABTC on average takes 12-18 months. I am definitely in it for the long haul but I wouldn't want it any other way.

As always thank you all very much for the most amazing support 💛

31/03/2024

Wishing all my followers and super duper clients a very happy easter!

Here are some pics from last week, the crew just keeps on growing 🥰

28/03/2024

Fancy getting stuck into some dog body language learning this bank holiday?

Well... PACT (the organisation I am studying with) have put together a free course! I have done it myself and thoroughly enjoyed it 💕

So this year we put together a completely FREE course discussing canine body language. It's available for anyone to watch (not just professionals) so if you're interested or know someone that might be (your clients included) please do sign up and share far and wide💚
https://pact-course.thinkific.com/courses/PACTtastercourse

23/03/2024

What an absolute darling 🩵

19/03/2024

This happy chap will never fail to make me laugh.

Spending time with him every week is simply the best 💛

17/03/2024

🐶🐶Updated availability for solo walks from 17/3/24 🐶🐶

Mondays- As an when walks only

Tuesdays-
1-2pm arrival (Rayleigh only)
After 4pm (Rayleigh/Hullbridge)

Wednesdays-
9:30am-10 arrival (Rayleigh only)
12-2pm arrival (Rayleigh only)
After 3pm (Rayleigh/Hullbridge*/Hockley*)

Thursdays-
8:30am/9 arrival (Westcliff* area)
1:30pm-2:30 arrival (Rayleigh only)
After 4pm (Rayleigh/Hullbridge)

Fridays-
9:30/10am arrival (Rayleigh only)
12:30-2 arrival (Rayleigh only)
After 3pm (Rayleigh/Hullbridge/Hockley)

Saturdays and Sundays- As and when walks only

*these areas are subject to additional mileage and time charges

15/03/2024

I do not walk dogs, they walk me.

Now please stick with me here… I will explain why I have flipped the typical phrase of ‘walking the dog’.

Dogs and humans lead busy lives. Sometimes a walk needs to be a quick nip round the block to get in those steps or a chance for your dog to go to the toilet. However, when hiring me as your dog walker you are paying me for your dog. Your world (your dog) becomes my world for the length of time we are together.

As an ethical business owner I will never put your dog in harm's way. Walks are planned to a degree with the owner's insight along with considerations from your pooches history and personality. But we must remember your dog's choice in the present moment, this is where the ‘dog-led’ bit comes in.

I like to use the term ‘dog-led walks’, meaning I am guided by your pooch. Dogs see the world through their noses. Sniffing is incredibly important to dogs, not to mention naturally calming too. So, as far as is practical the route is determined by your dog's nose and intuition, I am just there to safely guide. It is not my walk, it is your dog's walk.

It is so rewarding for me as a walker to allow my clients’ dogs to do what comes naturally to them, with no set destination. Allowing dogs choices is super valuable and ultimately I believe empowers them.

Dog-led approaches are something I am passionate about as I truly believe it benefits our canine companions. Whatever suits your dog suits me so technically yes, as long as it is appropriate, your dog will walk me.

If you think your ‘fur child’ would benefit from one of my dog-led walks, please get in touch today.